Climate Defiance is organizing a major protest aimed at the Congressional Baseball Game scheduled for June 12 at Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
The group announced their intention to stage a “historic blockade” during this annual event where Republican and Democratic Congress members play baseball, using it as a platform to challenge ongoing fossil fuel subsidies.
Stakes Highlighted by Climate Defiance
In a recent communication, Climate Defiance expressed the gravity of the environmental crisis.
They said, “We – society, humanity – are careening into an abyss. The decisions we make now will reverberate not for centuries, but for millennia. If we do not act now, boldly and swiftly, millions will die from storms and from starvation.”
Michael Greenberg Criticizes Congressional Inaction
Climate Defiance founder Michael Greenberg criticized Congress for their environmental policies in a statement to Fox News Digital.
He said, “So long as Congress torches our planet, we won’t give them a moment of rest. It is unconscionable that they play games while destroying our prospect for a decent future.”
Background and Timing of the Protest
The protest is set against the Congressional Baseball Game, an event that has become a focal point for the group’s activism.
The game, a longstanding tradition, is seen by the activists as a symbol of political distraction from urgent environmental issues.
Previous Protest Efforts and Congressional Response
Greenberg organized a similar protest two years ago, targeting the same event.
However, the protest was called off after the U.S. Senate reached a deal on climate spending that aligned with the group’s demands, just before the game was scheduled to occur.
Urgency Expressed Over Climate Changes
In their communications, Climate Defiance highlighted recent alarming climate data.
They said, “This March was the warmest on record – the tenth month in a row that was the hottest ever. Our planet is burning, and Congress is playing baseball.”
Broad Criticism of Fossil Fuel Subsidies
The anticipated protest targets members from both political parties, emphasizing that both sides support fossil fuel subsidies.
Climate Defiance pointed out, “Like the Congressional Baseball Game, fossil fuel subsidies are a bipartisan affair,” criticizing recent legislative actions that have failed to eliminate these subsidies.
Call to Action for Direct Involvement
Instead of traditional forms of activism such as petitions or social media campaigns, Climate Defiance is urging direct action.
They are asking supporters to physically join the blockade of the Congressional Baseball Game to manifest their dissent.
Strategy for Change Through Disruption
The group advocates for “consistent, mass-turnout, nonviolent disruption to stop business as usual and compel politicians to act.”
They believe that direct action can significantly influence political decisions and public opinion.
Nonviolent Approach to Protest
In outlining their tactics, Climate Defiance emphasizes a peaceful approach.
They said, “We’ve never blocked roads (no shade to those who do). We’ve never targeted artwork. What we do, and what we do very well, is take the fight directly to the people in power.”
Intended Impact of the Protest
The group explicitly stated their protest goals.
“We make their lives MISERABLE until they relent.” This statement reflects their strategy to exert pressure on policymakers by disrupting a high-profile event.
Details of the Upcoming Protest
The protest is scheduled to coincide with the Congressional Baseball Game on June 12 at 5 p.m. at Nationals Park.
Climate Defiance hopes this event will draw significant attention to their cause and prompt legislative action on environmental issues.
